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Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Panda Express on the way
By Alyssa Seidman
It has been more than a year since construction began on the largest redevelopment in Green Acres’ 70-year history.
Now, shoppers are finally getting a better idea of when they’ll be able to experience it.
A wave of new restaurants, including The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Panda Express and Dave’s Hot Chicken, is expected to begin opening this fall as work continues on the Valley Stream shopping center’s massive $400 million transformation.
“We really wanted to help drive traffic and get more frequent shoppers by elevating our dining options and bringing in some better restaurants,” Lee Ra Johnson, assistant vice president of outlet leasing at Macerich, told Greater Long Island. “A lot of these brands are projected to open in the third or fourth quarter of this year.”
The restaurant lineup will also include Paris Baguette, Fogo de Chão and locally owned Tony’s Tacos.
The redevelopment, expected to wrap up by the end of 2027, will transform roughly 400,000 square feet of the property with outward-facing storefronts, landscaped green spaces and a new main entrance centered around the restaurant district.
Construction has also begun on an 80,000-square-foot ShopRite, which is expected to open in 2027 inside the former Kohl’s building.
New pylons are also planned along Sunrise Highway, replacing the existing signs with modern versions that can showcase more of the center’s businesses.
Johnson said Green Acres has continued to attract shoppers throughout construction.
Retailers including JD Sports and Foot Locker have expanded their presence at the mall, with Foot Locker adding a Kids Foot Locker section and interactive kiosks that help customers find the right fit.
Another new addition is Green Acres Connect, a complimentary shuttle linking Green Acres with Green Acres Commons.
The shuttle currently operates Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m. through the summer as part of a pilot program.
“We already have a lot of shoppers coming to the overall campus, and we just want to make it more convenient since it’s not necessarily easy to walk,” Johnson said. “We’ll continue to evaluate the numbers as traffic and demand increase.”
For a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing construction, visit the Green Acres’ project page.
Top: The largest redevelopment in Green Acres’ 70-year history is slated to be completed by the end of 2027. (Credit: Macerich/Green Acres Mall)
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